Analysis of Lady Gaga - Pokerface

Pop Video

Locations

The location for this music video is instantly revealed to be a mansion. This is shown through the lavish and extravagant surroundings and props used, such as the first scene including a swimming pool which Lady Gaga emerges from. Other locations shown within the video are assumingly inside the mansion, with a party going on in some type of front room and a bedroom.

These locations match the ‘pop’ music genre, having been used to create the illusion that the lifestyle which Lady Gaga has is one of much excitement, matching the upbeat music. The pop genre includes songs which are upbeat to make people happy, and to get them dancing which is also shown in this video.

Clothing

Clothing within the music video also fits to the genre due to the unusual accessories such as the mirror mask, which is shown in the first scene of the video, creating further excitement for the audience. Bright, metallic clothing is used throughout the video to keep the atmosphere upbeat, such as Gaga’s blue swimsuit and metallic dress. None of the outfits are perceived as ‘everyday’ clothing, which makes the video seem more daring and fun.

Props

Props used in the video coincide with costumes, as Lady Gaga infuses wild sunglasses and headphones into her clothing. Other props used in the video include playing cards and alcohol, which creates another illusion of an exciting and busy lifestyle. This represents the pop music genre due to the match of the beat to get people dancing and suggest that they could have a lifestyle similar if they listened to or created the same genre of music.

Cinematography

The music video includes a variety of shot types, with long shots used to show the entire scene and rich surroundings. Close ups are used to show the detail on the jewellery and other props which infuse the ‘pop’ lifestyle, with mid to close ups of Lady Gaga’s face as she is singing into the camera.

Concept/Narrative

The concept of the song is about bisexuality. This is reflected in the video as the narrative includes Lady Gaga playing strip poker with both men and women at a wild party. This idea of a ‘party’ is very usual in pop music, as this shows people to be dancing and enjoying the upbeat rhythm of the song. This video includes montage editing.